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Credit: Arthur Pollock

Suffolk University pollster David Paleologos announces the results of a mayoral poll at the Herald radio station, Wednesday, September 18, 2013.

The Suffolk University/Boston Herald mayoral poll shows a tight race at the top and signals some clear positive movement on the part of District Attorney Daniel F. Conley and Charlotte Golar Richie. It also shows 19 percent of voters have yet to make up their mind.

As has been the case from the start, City Councilor John Connolly seems in control. He holds on to his lead in this poll with a 4 point edge over his nearest competitor; certainly not enough to rest on, but it is the consistency of his first-place finishes in every poll that is impressive and should be encouraging for the Connolly camp. Connolly also fares the best in head-to-head matchups against potential second-place finishers.

DA Dan Conley sees good news in this poll with his late vault into a dead-heat tie with Dorchester state Representative Marty Walsh who has consistently held on to second place in most polls. Maybe more importantly, Conley leads all candidates among second-choice votes with 14%. That means, in the last few days, as voters supporting other lower-ranked candidates start to reconsider their vote, Conley could be the biggest beneficiary. Connolly (11%) and Walsh, and Golar Richie (10% each) trail Conley for second-choice voters.

Golar Richie continues to be a wild card with her strong jump into the top-tier of this race. She competes for second-choice voters, too. With very little money, and a low-key campaign, she holds a commanding lead among minority candidates and is now in clear striking distance of the run-off. Can this result energize the progressive community and become a game-changer? And will minority voters now rally around her as the best chance of winning one of the two finalist seats? Despite John Barros 3% showing in this poll, he has impressed many. These are all big questions for the final few days. Despite some recent stumbles, this poll is showing that Golar Richie is still very much in this race, and observers count her out at their own risk.

Among the issues polled, one might be driving results. A whopping 64% of Boston voters are demanding a citywide vote on whether Boston should become a gambling town with a casino at Suffolk Downs. Conley has been vocal and consistent in his support for a citywide vote throughout the race. Based upon his upward movement in this poll, it's paying off for him. Conley was also the first to signal support for Police Commissioner Ed Davis who enjoys an impressive 73% favorability among Boston voters.

With 19% undecided, the race is still tight. Even some of the second tier of candidates are technically within striking distance, especially Consalvo at 8%. Walczak and Arroyo are at 6%, and Ross is at 5%.

Stay tuned....the next few days could decide this race as undecideds start to weigh in.